CDFW restricts northern anchovy to bait-only from Pigeon Point to Point Lobos

California just took northern anchovy off the table for people along a slice of the Central Coast. A Sept. 11, 2026 director declaration under Fish and Game Code section 5523 restricts commercial and recreational take for human consumption in waters south of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37°11.000′ N) to a line due west from Point Lobos, Monterey County (36°31.461′ N).

The trigger is public health, not a stock call. OEHHA, in consultation with the State Public Health Officer at CDPH, found elevated domoic acid in northern anchovy in that zone and recommended the commercial-consumption restriction. Under the declaration, anchovy taken there may not be possessed or sold for human consumption.

Bait is still legal. Commercial or incidental take for bait or as unmarketable fish is allowed. Dead bait sold from the zone must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food. Recreational take for bait is allowed. The restriction stays until the named public-health agencies tell the director the health hazard is gone.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: CDFW — Declaration of Fisheries Restriction Caused by Elevated Levels of Domoic Acid in Northern Anchovy (Director declaration, Sept. 11, 2026).